When your daughter turns 12, something happens to a mother’s heart.  I remember the day she entered into the world- so tiny but yet powerful.  Although she grew, her powerful spirit just brightens each year.
Our family tradition has been to open one gift in the morning. Â This year I gave her a Twelve is Fabulous shirt. Â
I always wanted a daughter, but I never knew what it all meant. Â We have fun, we help each other, and can be ourselves. Do we always see eye to eye? No. Â But I have the utmost respect for her opinions as she does mine (most of the time.)
Parenting books will tell parents not to be your child’s friend but only their parent. While I understand the theory, I find it impossible. Laura is my friend, and I can still guide her and will always be her mom.
Laura turned 12 in September. I do long for the days that she curled in my lap,had parties with her dolls and stuffed animals and playing silly games. Â It is an honor to see her grow into herself as a young woman with still a bit of sass. Â She knows herself and has her own style.
I love that she still listens to my advice and utilizes it in her life. She has her pre teen attitude sometimes and nothing I do is right-but I know that is completely normal for her stage of life. After the eye rolls, frustration, and door slams – we always reconcile, learn and grow.
I love everything about Laura, but especially seeing her love for Jason and me.  She is loyal, kind, helpful and creative. She is smart and uses her intelligence instead of hiding behind it  Laura has a strong faith in God and believes in justice.
When she was a baby, her eyes showed her beautiful soul. Now that she’s 12, Laura shows everyone she meets her beautiful soul and kind heart.  Here is to another year of me being lucky to be her mother.
